Technical Services Supervisor

Description

The Technical Services Supervisor oversees the operations of Bemis Public Library’s Technical Services division and provides leadership and supervisory support to its staff. The division’s primary areas of effort are in the receipt, cataloging, physical processing, and routing of newly acquired collection materials, and in various collection and database maintenance projects. The Supervisor serves as a primary point of contact in vendor relations and software system administration. This position sits on the Library’s Leadership Team, representing the Technical Services division, and working in partnership with teammates to coordinate Library-wide efforts and operations. This position reports directly to the Library Director.

This position will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. The replacement of the Library’s automated return sorter is expected in late 2024, and this position will likely work closely with the Circulation Services Supervisor during and after implementation to ensure the system is supporting staff and users effectively. The Library is looking forward to updating its departmental strategic plan in 2025, setting the vision and course for the next several years of its service to the community of Littleton and this position will assist with these efforts.

The ideal candidate enjoys experimenting, sees challenges as puzzles to be solved, is excited to bring ideas into reality, and can work well with others as well as on their own. As a supervisor, the ability to develop and enhance the skills, capacity, and coordination of others is critical. With the responsibility of overseeing the Technical Services division, it will be key to have domain knowledge of library systems and of the principles and best practices of information organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership and support to a Technical Services division consisting of 4 full-time staff. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Performing all personnel actions such as recruitment, hiring, onboarding, goal-setting, coaching, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, discipline and termination.
  • Assigning work of division staff and coordinating staff schedules.
  • Planning and facilitating regular division team meetings.
  • Providing or arranging for training and professional development for staff.
• Oversees operations of the Technical Services division, participating directly as situations may require. These include but are not limited to:
  • Receipt, cataloging, physical processing, and routing of newly-acquired collection materials.
  • Performing or coordinating repairs and binding of collection materials as needed.
  • Maintenance of the bibliographic database and related content of the Library’s online catalog.
  • Maintaining sufficient inventory of processing/mending supplies.
• Evaluates and, as necessary, refines or eliminates, processes and procedures of the Technical Services division.
  Interprets Library and City policies for patrons and staff.
• Works in coordination with Circulation Supervisor to develop policies and procedures related to the Integrated Library System.
• Serves as a Library liaison to the Marmot Library Network and attends or ensures Library representation at Union Catalog Committee meetings.
• Serves as Library representative to various internal and external committees.
• Serves as a point of contact for vendors related to equipment, systems, and services utilized by the Circulation division.
• Prepares written or oral reports on the activities of the Technical Services division.
• Participates on the Library’s Leadership Team with the Library Director, Business Support Specialist, and other division supervisors; and works with said colleagues to coordinate Library-wide efforts and operations.
• Performs other duties, assignments, and projects as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science with emphasis in information organization and/or library systems management; and
  Five (5) years of work experience in a public library including two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience in a public library; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Solid knowledge of public library principles and industry best practices, particularly those related to information organization and the management of library systems and databases.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.
• Ability to grow and develop subordinate staff, such as through direct feedback, coaching, or facilitating access to learning opportunities.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflict.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, and to communicate with others effectively and courteously.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate information into effective written materials including reports, policies, procedures, and other such documents.
• Effective records management and organizational skill.
• Ability to operate computer equipment to perform work tasks and retrieve information.
• Ability to exchange information with others and to develop and present recommendations
• Ability to plan and manage workload and determine priorities to deliver work within applicable parameters and deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to fulfill the duties of the role and the needs of the division and the Library.